Bafana blow two-goal cushion to crash out of CHAN

South Africa's journey in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a heartbreaking end on Monday night, August 19, 2025, as they played out a dramatic 3-3 draw against the hosts, Uganda, at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. 

What seemed destined to be a monumental victory, securing a spot in the quarter-finals, ultimately turned into a nightmare collapse, leaving Molefi Ntseki’s side stunned, crestfallen and eliminated from the competition.

A Lead Let Slip in Painful Fashion 

The crucial Group C clash began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. It was the hosts, roared on by a 34,000-strong crowd, who broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark when Jude Ssemugabi finished off a swift counter-attack in the 32nd minute, sending the Ugandan faithful into pandemonium.

However, Bafana Bafana emerged reinvigorated after the break, showcasing their fighting spirit. Ramahlwe Mphahlele pounced on a loose ball in the box to level matters in the 52nd minute, a goal confirmed after a VAR check. 

The momentum firmly shifted South Africa's way when Thabiso Kutumela continued his fine form, converting a long throw into a precise finish just six minutes later, putting Bafana ahead. The victory seemed all but sealed when Phillip Ndlondlo netted a stunning lob from outside the box in the 83rd minute, extending South Africa's lead to a seemingly unassailable 3-1.

But football, as they say, is a cruel game. The closing stages unravelled excruciatingly for the visitors. Uganda pulled one back in the 88th minute when Allan Okello calmly converted a penalty after Bafana conceded.

Heartbreak in Extra Time

The real heartbreak, however, came deep into stoppage time. With eight additional minutes signalled, VAR intervened once more, awarding Uganda another penalty for a handball by Menzi Masuku. Rogers Torach stepped up under immense pressure in the 96th minute and coolly slotted home, securing a dramatic 3-3 draw and simultaneously dashing South Africa’s tournament ambitions. 

The stunned silence in the South African changeroom post-match was almost palpable.

Despite the crushing defeat, coach Molefi Ntseki expressed pride in his team. "They showed their commitment and understood that they were playing for their country," Ntseki stated. 

"In the game of football ... there are three results. Unfortunately, we got the result that we did not want. We wanted to win, but things did not happen for us". South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan added that the players should “hold their heads high after giving their all on the pitch”.

Historic Success for Co-Hosts 

While South Africa exited the tournament, this edition of the CHAN has already etched itself into history. For the first time ever in a CAF competition, all three co-host nations – Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda – have successfully advanced to the quarter-finals. This remarkable collective achievement has been buoyed by passionate home support, exemplifying the tournament’s “Pamoja” spirit, a Swahili word meaning “together”.

Kenya topped Group A, Tanzania dominated Group B, and Uganda, breaking a long-standing jinx, secured their historic first knockout stage appearance by topping Group C thanks to that dramatic draw against South Africa. 

These three nations will now enjoy home advantage in their quarter-final clashes, promising continued festival-like atmospheres.